Contigliano

What to see?

The four main wonders of the Contigliano territory reval themselves to visitors along the now called “Way of St. Francis”. From south to north, we can mention the Villa Battistini, belonged in the past to the world-fampus Baritone Mattia Battistini and now hosting the Roman Conservatory of Santa Cecilia; the archaeological area of the Colle d 'Oro and the early medieval Church of San  Lorenzo, dating back to the 8th century; the medieval historic center of Contigliano including the monumental complex of San  Michele Arcangelo, including the lower and upper Churches erected between the 17th and 18th centuries and finally, the Abbey of San Pastore, originally a Benedictine abbey which later turned Cistercian, that has been recently restored. Other admirable buildings (namely the Varano Castel in Terria) and extraordinary areas of environmental value can be ranged among the attractions offered by Contigliano, such as the Nature Reserve of Lakes Lungo and Ripasottile, near Montisola, shared with other municipalities of the Montepiano Reatino. The medieval city walls of Contigliano are still partly preserved, as well as the two gates that allowed access to the town, known as Porta dei Santi and Porta Cowarda. From Porta dei Santi, still showing its original wooden door, stroll along the ancient cobblestone street and you will find yourself in front of the Collegiate Church of San Michele Arcangelo that preserves numerous 17th and 18th century frescoes and paintings, and the wooden organ dating back to the 18th century. The ruins of the Church of San Giovann stand in the northern area of the town that offers a suggestive view over the Rieti Plain. Finally, Before leaving, don’t forget to observe the facade of the Municipal Palace on which the coat of arms of Rieti was walled, after Rieti reconquered Contigliano that, in 1400 had been under the Sforza family for a short period.